Abiding Together

In this episode, we talk about what it means to weather the storms of life well. Everyone experiences difficult moments throughout their lives and these storms come in all shapes and sizes. In each one, we have the opportunity to respond from a place of truth and peace instead of fear. We share practical ways we’ve learned to weather the storms in our own lives, from simplifying life to immersing ourselves in Scripture. We also explore how pain, though difficult, can lead us into deeper healing and communion with God. No matter what you’re facing, you are not alone—He is near, and so are we.    Heather’s One Thing - Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson  Heather’s Other One Thing - Same God (feat Jonsal Barriente) from Elevation Worship Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Pints with Aquinas | What to Do When Marriage Gets Hard (Jason and Crystalina Evert) Michelle’s One Thing - Healed and Restored Nonprofit   Other Resources Mentioned:  Carmelite Sisters of The Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles Searching

In this episode, Dr. Shane Owens, a scholar of St. Augustine, joins us to discuss the power of memory. Together, we explore how memory is a place to where we withdraw to understand our identity, shape our whole self, and begin to see God working in our lives. Memory exists for the purpose of hope and we not only talk about how the Scriptures and Eucharist bear the memories of the Church, but also how our sorrowful memories can become sources of hope.    Heather’s One Thing - Pope Leo XIV: Son of St. Augustine (A conversation with Fr. Dave Pivonka and Dr. Shane Owens) Heather’s Other One Thing - Franciscan University’s Festival of Praise Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia Michelle’s One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine’s Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens Michelle’s Other One Thing - Heaven for Me! by St. Thérèse of Lisieux Dr. Shane Owens’ One Thing - Bible Across America from the St. Paul Center   Other Resources Mentioned:  Return to the H

In this episode, we talk about what it means to bring God’s Presence into our relationships with others. Through His life, Jesus shows us how to live at the pace of the Holy Spirit and create space for authentic connection. We explore how easy it is to overlook the significance of ordinary moments and how, through slowing the pace of our lives, we have powerful opportunities to love, listen, and become more attuned to those around us. We also discuss the importance of healthy boundaries, the freedom that comes from not needing to fix others, and how it’s God’s love that shapes how we show up for the people in our lives.   Heather’s One Thing - This Wild at Heart Podcast series with Jon Tyson (Part 1) (Part 2) Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The Lila Rose Show with Msgr Rossetti  Michelle’s One Thing - Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser, and Melissa Helser   Journal Questions: How can I show up for people in my life in this season? How do I need others to show up for me? In what ways do I los

In this episode, we explore the gift of tears and the importance of allowing ourselves to cry. We reflect on our experiences with crying and talk about how tears, especially in painful moments, can be a powerful expression of surrender, lament, and hope when offered to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our sensitivity and capacity to cry reflect the way we were beautifully created to respond to what breaks God's heart. We discuss the vulnerability of crying, the pain of resisting it, and how Jesus crying out on the cross reveals the value of our own cries. Whether you're too tired to cry, afraid to show need, or already feel safe expressing emotion, we invite you to see crying as an act of worship and intercession. In our sorrow, God meets us with love, truth, and the hope that He can actually do something with our pain.   Heather’s One Thing - Spirit Breathe by Sarah Kroger and Echo Harbor Worship Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Beloved Son by Carrie Daunt Michelle’s One Thing - Her new back porch!   Other

In this episode, we talk about how God is at work in our lives even when sorrow feels overwhelming. This Jubilee year of hope is still a light for us, especially when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to despair. We talk about the “fatigue of living”, what happens when we isolate ourselves, and why the micromovements of our hearts are so important. God has not guaranteed us an easy life, but He abundantly offers us Himself. With Him, we can encounter Jesus deeply, allow the Spirit to help us overcome our fears, and journey through this life with more hope than we thought possible.   Heather’s One Thing - Join me on a pilgrimage to Denmark & Norway | August 3 - 12, 2026   Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Father Wilfrid Stinissen Michelle’s One Thing - I Will Come to You: A Story of Adoption and the Relentless Love of God by Jamie McAleer   Other Resources Mentioned:  Pope Leo XIV’s Homily for Pentecost   Journal Questions: When

In this episode, we conclude our series by reflecting on the sorrowful and glorious mysteries of our lives. In the midst of our own sorrows, we talk about the mortification of authentic love, what it means to carry our cross, and how to be patient when a particular suffering seems endless. We also share the glorious ways God is working in our lives. From the beauty of color to raising our expectations in faith, we ponder how Jesus’ presence in the sufferings of our lives often restores us more deeply than if He simply just healed our pain.    Heather’s One Thing - First Reconciliation and Beyond by Katie Prejean McGrady Heather’s Other One Thing - Show Me Your Glory by Brandon Lake Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Discerning Hearts Podcast with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Discernment of Spirits Series Michelle’s One Thing - Soulcore   Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays & Fridays): The Agony in the Garden – Contrition / Sorrow for Sin The Scourging at the Pillar – Purity / Mortification The Crowning with Thorns – Mora

Welcome to season 17! In this episode, we continue our tradition of reflecting on the mysteries of our lives based on the mysteries of the Rosary. In every season of our lives, we’re given opportunities to grow in charity and to receive God’s grace. Periodically, it is important to pause and reflect on how God has been working in and through our lives. In our conversation, we model what this looks like and discuss how the virtues of each mystery of the Rosary align with the mysteries of our lives and the fruits God is cultivating. Join us today as we share the Joyful and Luminous mysteries of our lives.    Heather’s One Thing - The beauty of being an empty nester! Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses by Bishop Erik Varden  Michelle’s One Thing - Summer camps Michelle’s Other One Thing - College football is back!  

In this special bonus episode, we share a recent conversation we had with our friend Katie Prejean McGrady on the Ave Explores podcast series, “Digital Evangelization". We loved the conversation so much that we wanted to share it with you! You will hear us reflect on the story behind Abiding Together, our commitment to authentic and vulnerable conversations, and the impact of inviting others into our spiritual journey. We also share why we believe online spaces can become “holy ground” when we speak with honesty, balance, and love—and why, if a message isn’t real and rooted in truth, it’s not worth sharing.   We are also excited to announce Season 17 of Abiding Together will begin on September 15th! Mark your calendars—we are so excited to journey with you this fall.   Subscribe to our Newsletter! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook   Learn More about Ave Maria Press:  Ave Maria Press’ Website Ave Explores Podcast Instagram Facebook TikTok X   Journal Questions: How is God revealing His will to me for my cu

In this episode, we conclude season 16 by remembering with gratitude all the things God has done and is doing in our lives. We reflect on the importance of allowing our hearts to be drawn into beauty in the midst of both joy and sorrow. We also talk about maturity vs self reliance, allowing ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, and the relationship between trust and receptivity. Thank you dear friends for journeying with us this season! You will be in our prayers this summer and we are excited about what’s in store this Fall!   Heather’s One Thing - All to Bless You and Low (Live) by Kory Miller  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Magdala Grove Michelle’s One Thing - I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux by Fr. Jean Delaby   Journal Questions: Pause and take a moment to notice the surrounding beauty. What do I notice? How might the Lord be speaking to me through this beauty? Am I perplexed by the mystery of how God is working in my life? How might He be working all

In this episode, we conclude our conversation on life transitions with Michelle’s husband, Chris Benzinger. We focus on the second and third steps in walking through transitions: releasing with trust and redeeming with hope. We talk about God wanting to redeem our past, the need to let go of the ways we’ve failed, and how God wants to do something new in the future. We also reflect on the importance of ceremony to conclude a season, the four responses to a loss, and why we should share our hopes for the future with God.   Heather’s One Thing - Return to the Heart: The Biblical Spirituality of St. Augustine's Confessions by Dr. Shane Owens Sister Miriam’s One Thing -  Mediterranean Chicken Bowls Michelle’s One Thing - Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic - A Lyrical Devotional by Sarah Kroger Chris’ One Thing - Running a 5k with his daughter Lilly    Journal Questions: What was good about the previous season of my life? Am I grieving or still carrying hurts?  What is God specifically asking me to relea

In this episode, Chris Benzinger joins us to discuss navigating big and small life transitions. We have all probably found ourselves on the other end of a transition feeling unfulfilled or confused. Chris takes us through a reflection of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan and relates it to change in our lives. We talk about why it can be difficult to move on from blessings of the past and how remembering with gratitude is the first step in walking through transitions. We also discuss the practice of taking memorial stones with us to remember the Lord’s blessings, giving thanks in all circumstances, and growing a lens of gratitude. Join us for part two next week!   Heather’s One Thing - Festival of Praise at Franciscan University Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Sacramental transitions Michelle’s One Thing - Chris! Chris’ One Thing - Michelle :)   Journal Questions: What transitions am I currently going through? How have I experienced transition in the past? What do I need to remember with gratitude?

In this episode, we reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis. We talk about how, during his Pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized joy and, through his example, helped us remember to embody this joy in our daily lives to bring others into the Church. We also acknowledge how God has used Pope Francis to speak to us through his writings and discuss which of these writings most profoundly impacted us, how we can pray for our next Pope, and share what we think will be his lasting legacy.    Heather’s One Thing - Her Parents Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes (and the Maverick City Music Remix ;)) Michelle’s One Thing - Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington , NC   Other Resources Mentioned:  Papal Homily on the Revolution of Tenderness Pope Francis’ Surprise TED Talk Patris Corde - Apostolic Letter Dilexit Nos - Encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (Joy of the Gospel) - Apostolic Exhortation  List of Cardinals attending the Conclave   Abiding Together Episodes on Pope Francis’ Writings: The Joy of

In this episode, we conclude our Lenten book study by focusing on the epilogue and sharing ideas on how to prepare for the Triduum. During Holy Week, our Lord invites us to join Him on His Paschal journey. We reflect on how He takes on our suffering, sin, and brokenness and brings them to the Father so that death may be destroyed forever. We also talk about the importance of remembering how God has transformed our lives, the call to “be not afraid”, and how our Lord is restoring our deepest identities. You are in our prayers dear friends, and we will see you again in the Easter season!   Heather’s One Thing - Glory: Women’s Gathering (June 6th-8th 2025) Heather’s Other One Thing - The Pause App from Wild at Heart Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Peaceful Guitar Playlist from Spotify Michelle’s One Thing - Everything about Easter (the Liturgy, flowers, decorations…everything!)   Announcement: We will be taking a two week break for Easter and will see you again on May 5th!   Journal Questions: Where do I need the

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapter 9 and the conclusion. We reflect on the goodness of God and why we need not be afraid even when we do not understand what He is doing or how He is working in our lives. We also talk about how the Holy Spirit is like a salve to the wounds in our life, the importance of taking the authority we’ve been given by God, and why hungering and thirsting for God allows us to grow in intimacy with Him.   Heather’s One Thing - Healing Prayers and Renunciations by Dr. Bob Schuchts Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Mango Salsa Recipe Michelle’s One Thing - The Way of Love by Marie Miller   Journal Questions: How can I make Jubilee a lifestyle? How does my heart respond to the unexpected works and movements of the Holy Spirit? Where in my life do I need to welcome the Holy Spirit? Where does the Lord want to liberate me?   Discussion Questions: How can you embrace the spirit of Jubilee and not the letter of Jubilee? How will you embrace the sacraments, p

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 7 & 8. We reflect on the many ways Jesus wants to make us whole, by exercising the evil out of our lives, forgiving our sins, and leading us to freedom. We also compare that to what the enemy is trying to do, make us feel alone, scatter the pieces of our heart, and bring us out of communion with each other and with God. Jesus wants to love us into healing and is waiting for our invitation. It is up to us to open the door and allow Jesus to enter ever deeper into our hearts.    Heather’s One Thing - Authentic Masculinity and Intimacy with Jesus - A Pints with Aquinas Episode w/ John Eldredge (YouTube) (Spotify) Heather’s Other One Thing - Songs in the Desert Spotify Playlist Sister Miriam’s One Thing - March Madness Michelle’s One Thing - She Loved: Resting in the Beauty of Motherhood by Suzanne Bilodeau    Other Resources Mentioned:  Daily Examen The Song “When I Forget” by Amanda Cook   Announcement: It’s not too late to order

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 5 & 6. We talk about the original roots of jubilee in the Old Testament, if the Israelites actually observed the jubilee, and how the Dead Sea Scrolls are relevant to jubilee. We also reflect on the importance of prophetic voices, the need to prepare for Sabbath, and why having an open heart allows the Lord to exceed our expectations.    Heather’s One Thing - Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls Video Series with Dr. John Bergsma and Fr. Dave Pivonka Sister Miriam’s One Thing - How Change Occurs Series Part 1 and Part 2 from Restore the Glory Podcast Michelle’s One Thing - The House of David (Trailer)   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: What areas are the smallest and weakest in my life that God wants to magnify in the Jubilee? What are the laws and rituals of the Catholi

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 3 & 4. We discuss the Ten Commandments, how they teach us to say yes to true freedom, and why our voluntary yes helps us live in deeper communion with God and those around us. We also reflect on finding Eden in our Churches or homes, discovering our golden calves, and the significance of doing our daily duty well.   Heather’s One Thing - Abundance of Grace Prints Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Vickie, Chris, and Fr. Patrick at Holy Trinity and St. Michael's Parishes in Kewaskum, WI (See the picture on our website here)  Michelle’s One Thing - The Richest Leprechaun in Ireland by Elise Daniel   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: How is my experience of the Church being broken open and expanded throughout this study? Where have I been filling myself with things other than

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study and focus on chapters 1 & 2. We reflect on how God originally designed us in the Garden of Eden, how the lies and idols we invite into our lives strip away this identity, and how the Jubilee is a time of restoration. We also dive deep into the biblical significance of the ten plagues, why tearing down our idols is a painful process, and the beauty of hoping for a good not yet seen.   Heather’s One Thing - The Festival of Praise at Franciscan University and the song Fall Like Rain Heather’s Other One Thing - Ascension’s Holy Bible – The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition Premium Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Those who live in Lafayette and attended an event at the University of Louisiana  Sister Miriam’s Other One Thing - Jean Valjean: Bought with a Price (a scene from the 1998 Les Miserables with Liam Neesen) Michelle’s One Thing - Her recent trip with family to the Dominican Republic   Jesus and the Jubilee Reading Schedule: March 10th: Chapt

In this episode, we begin our Lenten book study “Jesus and the Jubilee” and welcome the author, Dr. John Bergsma, to the podcast! Dr. Bergsma shares his powerful conversion story during the Great Jubilee Year in 2000 and why he felt called to write a book about this Jubilee Year of Hope. We also reflect on this Jubilee year as a time of abundant grace, why Reconciliation is the Sacrament of Jubilee, and how we can engage the virtue of hope this Lenten season.    Heather’s One Thing - Fathering Sons by Dominic Polito  Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Floriani (Chants of Deliverance CD) (Spotify) Michelle’s One Thing - Jesus and the Jubilee Dr. Bergsma’s One Thing - Dr. Scott Hahn’s meditations on “The Seven Last Words of Christ”. (Sign up to be sent a weekly video reflection during Lent)   Announcement: It’s not too late to order your copy of “Jesus and the Jubilee” at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available.    Journal Questions: How does the Lord want t

In this episode, we talk about spiritual mentorship and being formed in Jesus. We reflect on the spiritual mentors who have journeyed with us and share stories about the lessons that have shaped who we are today.  We also talk about why comparison crushes our ability to receive, our calling to make disciples of all nations, and how the daily witness of our lives is an answer to this call.   Heather’s One Thing - Fix You (Live from the O2 Arena) by Jacob Collier and Chris Martin Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Dr. Christin McIntyre on the Restore the Glory Podcast and her lectures on Thomistic Psychology (Part 1) (Part 2) Michelle’s One Thing - Dr. Mary Lou and Chris O’Grady and letting us use their beach home   Announcement: Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Ju